A total of $12 million has been allocated for the Tobago Jazz Experience this year, an increase from $7.3m allocated in 2018.
This according to the Tobago Festivals Commission chairman George Leacock. He was speaking at the official launch of the annual festival in Tobago on Thursday.
The Tobago Jazz Experience is scheduled to take place from April 25 to 28.
Some of the acts for the event include self-proclaimed R&B king Jacquees, jazz vocalist Vaughnette Bigford, Duane Stephenson, Busy Signal and Miss Electric Slide Marcia Griffiths.
Grammy Award winner Michael Bolton was announced in December as one of the headline jazz acts, but with negotiations ongoing Leacock said another major act would be announced within 24 to 48 hours which is anticipated to boost ticket sales.
“Because of the way things are done now, as a promoter you are always in a position to continually adjust, basic infrastructure stays the same, but you really got to look at how tickets are going. When we drop the bomb we expect that things will sizzle for a little while and we’ll have a real picture on what is likely to happen. However, we do expect to significantly exceed the number of tickets sold last year,” he said
He said the three major acts for the 2018 edition of the event totalled US$475,000 but this year’s event will see a reduction in the cost for international artistes. He said an increase was also anticipated for gate receipts for the events. He said a cost will be attached to all major events for this year compared to other years.
Questioned on if a profit is expected from hosting the event, Leacock maintained the event is geared towards boosting tourism and its stakeholders on the island.
“Establishing in absolute terms a profit is probably not an immediate practical exercise. However, let me almost warn you that the people who work in the building in which we now stand are ever mindful of the management of the expenses, ever mindful of using appropriately, sensibly and for the best effect every single cent of taxpayers’ dollars,” Leacock said.
“We take seriously when we hear people say, ‘why you spending money on jazz and the money could be spent on the hospital’ and if we don’t feel confident that the Jazz Festival contributes to Tobago being able to earn more in the first instance, so that we will have funds to take care of all the services we need,” Leacock said.
Caribbean Night at Speyside will see patrons paying a nominal entrance fee of $50, while shows at Pigeon Point Heritage Park will see three tiers at $600, $800 VIP and $1200 VVIP. Tickets go on sale from February 22
.